What programming language is taught in Code in Place?

The primary programming language taught is Python. It's a popular language used widely in industry, artificial intelligence, data science, and game development, making it a valuable skill.

What is the structure of the Code in Place program?

Code in Place is a 6-week program consisting of weekly instructional videos, a 50-minute live Zoom section with a section leader, online readings, and an online programming environment. Students also have access to a discussion forum.

How does Code in Place compare to other MOOCs in terms of completion rates?

Code in Place boasts significantly higher completion rates, typically between 50-60%, compared to traditional MOOCs which often see single-digit percentages. This is attributed to the program's use of section leaders for personalized instruction and motivation.

Can someone with zero computer science knowledge join Code in Place?

Yes, absolutely. The course is designed for beginners and assumes no prior programming experience. It starts from the very basics and aims to teach anyone interested the fundamentals of programming.

Is Code in Place free for students and section leaders?

Yes, the program is completely free for both students and section leaders. Stanford provides the course materials, which are based on their actual university courses, at no cost to participants worldwide.

How should one prepare for the future of technology, especially with AI advancements?

Learning programming is crucial to understand how technology works and to become a producer rather than just a consumer. Even with AI tools, understanding coding fundamentals allows for more effective use and contribution to technological advancement.

What is the application process for Code in Place?

There is a straightforward application for both students and section leaders. For students, it involves solving a couple of Carol problems to demonstrate commitment and interest in learning. The application is designed to ensure participants are serious about investing time in the course.

Key Moments

Stanford's Code in Place Info Session with Mehran Sahami

Stanford Online

Education5 min read56 min video

May 4, 2026|749 views|32|3

Stanford Stanford Online

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Key Moments

TL;DR

Stanford's 'Code in Place' offers free, world-class programming education, but its scale relies heavily on volunteer section leaders. Applicants must demonstrate commitment, as spots are tied to volunteer availability.

Key Insights

Code in Place has successfully taught over 60,000 students across more than 150 countries.

The program boasts a completion rate of 50-60%, significantly outperforming traditional MOOCs which typically hover around 5%.

Enrollment capacity is directly tied to the number of volunteer section leaders, with over 1,600 assisting in the most recent iteration.

The curriculum uses Python, a popular language used in AI, data science, and game development, starting with a simplified 'Carol the Robot' to ease beginners.

Applicants must complete a straightforward application involving coding problems to demonstrate commitment and preparedness.

The course is entirely free for both students and section leaders, offering a certificate of completion at the end.

Origin and mission: Addressing the pandemic's educational gaps

Code in Place emerged approximately six years ago in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing a "pandemic of loneliness" and "education inequality," Mehran Sahami and his colleague Chris Peach sought a way to provide accessible, human-centric computer science education. The program's name, 'Code in Place,' directly reflects the "shelter in place" directives. The core question driving the initiative was how to scale educational access to a global community, potentially offering career changes during a time of widespread disruption. The program aims to make learning to code engaging and achievable for a broad audience.

The 'secret sauce': Scaling education through section leaders

The key to Code in Place's scalability lies in its innovative use of 'section leaders.' Inspired by Stanford's own introductory programming classes, where section leaders meet with small groups (around 10 students), the program mobilizes a large volunteer force. These section leaders provide personalized instruction, accountability, and crucial human connection, which are believed to be vital for student engagement and completion. In its sixth iteration, the program aims to leverage the vast potential of individuals eager to teach, creating a structure that allows for massive-scale education delivery. This model highlights a belief in underutilized human potential, where teaching itself is a learning process that can be joyful and foster connections.

Global reach and diverse participation

To date, Code in Place has run five iterations, teaching over 60,000 students from more than 150 countries. The program actively recruits a diverse range of section leaders, with over 5,500 having contributed to date. Student demographics reflect this global reach, showing broad representation across countries, genders, and age groups. The program emphasizes that it is never too late to learn to code, actively encouraging individuals of all ages to acquire new skills. By offering this education for free, Code in Place aims to break down barriers and provide opportunities globally.

Unprecedented completion rates and the power of human connection

A striking feature of Code in Place is its exceptionally high completion rate, typically between 50% and 60%. This figure dramatically outshines conventional Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), which often struggle to achieve completion rates of 5% or lower. The program attributes this success directly to the 'secret sauce' of its section leader system. The personalized interaction and motivational support provided by section leaders are credited with keeping students engaged and motivated throughout the 6-week program. This human-centric approach is central to ensuring students not only learn but also complete the course.

The curriculum: From 'Carol the Robot' to Python and beyond

Utilizing Python, a highly popular and versatile programming language, Code in Place offers a comprehensive introduction to computer science. The curriculum begins with 'Carol the Robot,' a simplified teaching language designed by Stanford to ease beginners into programming concepts. Early programming in Carol is, in fact, directly translatable to Python, ensuring a smooth transition. Students then progress to core Python, covering graphics, animations, data analysis, and fundamental programming principles like abstraction, decomposition, and modularity. The course fosters a "learning by doing" philosophy, with hands-on assignments, worked examples, and online resources, all accessible through a web browser. A final programming challenge allows students to showcase their creativity and apply learned skills.

A welcoming environment for all learners

Code in Place prioritizes inclusivity and accessibility. It requires no prior programming knowledge, with the only prerequisite being basic computer literacy, which is implicitly met by individuals participating in the online information session. The program's values emphasize kindness, community, and support, aiming to create an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. Beyond technical skills, the course aims to instill software engineering principles and foster intellectual joy. The teaching staff, including Mehran Sahami and Chris Peach, are dedicated to making computer science accessible and engaging for everyone, regardless of their background.

Roles in Code in Place: Student or Section Leader

Participants can engage with Code in Place in two primary roles: as students or as section leaders. Students embark on a 6-week journey learning Python from scratch, with weekly video lessons, live 50-minute sections with their section leader, online readings, and an online programming environment. Section leaders, on the other hand, undergo training to guide cohorts of about 10 students. This involves a welcome meeting, practice sections, and then teaching their own weekly sections. The application process for both roles is straightforward, aiming to gauge a candidate's commitment and enthusiasm rather than imposing strict technical prerequisites, especially for students.

Empowerment through coding and future opportunities

The program underscores the empowering nature of coding, presenting it as a way to move from being a consumer of technology to a producer. It highlights the interdisciplinary applications of programming, enabling individuals to apply coding skills to their diverse interests, from art to sports data analysis. The curriculum prepares students for the evolving technological landscape, including advancements in AI and machine learning, by building a strong foundation in computing. The course is entirely free, offering a certificate of completion, and aims to equip individuals with skills that can lead to new career paths and the ability to make a positive impact on the world, much like the example of a system developed to combat counterfeit pharmaceuticals.

Mentioned in This Episode

●Software & Apps

●Companies

●People Referenced

Common Questions

Code in Place has no formal prerequisites. If you can use a computer and a web browser, you likely have the necessary skills. The course assumes no prior programming knowledge and teaches everything from the ground up.

Topics

Learning & Education Mindset & Self-Improvement Technology & Innovation Career Development Community Building Python Programming Online Learning Computer Science Education Programming Fundamentals Section Leader Training

Mentioned in this video

Software & Apps

C++

A programming language taught in Stanford's second computer science course, indicating its importance alongside Python.

Python

The programming language used in Code in Place and Stanford's CS106A, chosen for its popularity and wide range of applications in industry, AI, and data science.

Console Academy

A program developed within Code in Place that uses quizzes to teach various subjects, demonstrating how students can create educational tools.

Code in Place Website

The official website for the program, located at codeinplace.stanford.edu, where prospective students and section leaders can find information and apply.

Code in Place

A free, online introductory computer science program designed for a global audience, emphasizing human-centric education and scalability through section leaders.

Carol the Robot

A simplified programming language used in the first week of Code in Place, which is actually based on Python, to provide a gentle introduction to programming concepts.

Companies

Google

A company where Mehran Sahami spent approximately 10 years in industry before returning to Stanford.

People

Bright Simons

An individual who developed a system to verify the authenticity of drugs using a code on the packaging, showcasing the real-world impact of programming.

Chris Peach

Colleague of Mehran Sahami and co-creator of Code in Place, praised for his humanity and dedication to education.

Mehran Sahami

Professor at Stanford, co-creator of Code in Place, with a background in machine learning and industry experience at Google.

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